Guilty Plea In Fatal Crash From Driver Distracted By Sex

MANKATO, Minn. (WCCO/AP) — Prosecutors in southern Minnesota are recommending four years in prison for a man who has pleaded guilty to charges in a car crash that killed two women, including one who witnesses say he was having sex with while driving.

Mark Anders Chalin, 24, of St. James, was driving a Chevy Cobalt eastbound on County Road 90 when it crashed head-on with an Oldsmobile Alero heading westbound, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

The driver of the Oldsmobile, 35-year-old Jonna Martin of Lakefield, and a passenger in the Chevy, 23-year-old Amber Menezes, of Mankato, where both killed in the crash.

Chalin claimed he didn’t remember anything about what led to the crash. Witnesses told investigators Menezes was straddling Chalin while he was driving on County Road 90, blocking his view of the road.

Chalin’s car slammed head-on into Martin’s vehicle. Investigators say reconstruction of the scene shows Chalin’s car was going about 60 to 65 mph and crossed in front of the Oldsmobile, that was traveling about 20 mph. The investigation also shows Chalin’s vehicle made no attempt to stop.

Chalin pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide via an Alford plea, which denies any wrongdoing but acknowledges the prosecution could likely prove guilt.